Chapter 1 Chapter 1

I had just stepped out of Mr. Chapman Senior's study when I ran into George Chapman and his cousins. The moment they laid eyes on me, they scattered. But even as they walked away, they couldn't help but take jabs at me. "Beatrice, here for George again? You really don't hold back, do you? Aren't you worried that your war-hero grandpa's rolling in his grave, watching you throw yourself at a man like this?" George, meanwhile, stared at me coldly. "What are you doing here?" he asked sharply. "Are you trying to get Grandpa to put in a good word for you again? You already brought up how your grandfather saved him in the war, didn't you? Haven't you milked that story enough? "You know what, don't bother. You've already embarrassed me enough by turning our relationship into the talk of the town. I haven't made up my mind about the wedding. No matter who you run to, it won't make a difference." His eyes were filled with contempt and disgust. Just like in my previous life, my love had never been enough to move him. I let out a long breath before calmly saying, "Does this have anything to do with you? Mr. Chapman Senior was the one who invited me. He's throwing a birthday party for me tomorrow." As soon as my words settled, George's cousins froze. "What? Grandpa's hosting a party for you?" one of them blurted. I knew exactly why they looked so stunned. Mr. Chapman Senior hadn't involved himself in family affairs in years. Now that he was stepping in, it was clear this was more than just a birthday party. He had once told me that on my 20th birthday, I'd have to choose a husband from among the Chapman young men. Whoever I picked would inherit most of his personal estate and take over as the head of the family. After the initial shock wore off, George's cousins turned to George with teasing grins. "Congrats, George! Don't forget about us once you're in charge," said one. Another chimed in, "With Grandpa backing you, you can finally step into the big leagues!" "Congrats to you, too, Beatrice. After all these years of trying to win me over, it looks like you're finally getting what you want. You must be thrilled," George remarked, sarcasm dripping from his voice as he shot me an arrogant look. Then, he leaned in closer and whispered, "But to avoid the same pathetic ending as last time, there's something you must agree to. "Once we're married, we live separate lives. You stay out of my business. That's the only way I'm saying yes." His words sent a ripple of shock through me. I hadn't expected him to make such a ridiculous demand. I stared at him, suspicious. Had he been reborn, too? Just then, a kittenish voice piped up behind me. "Beatrice?" My younger sister, Isabella Layton, approached us. She wore a miniskirt, and a shy smile tugged at her lips. Every now and then, she'd let out a soft cough. Seeing that, George hurried over to her. "You shouldn't be out when you're sick." Isabella lowered her head, looking pitiful. "Georgie, it was my dad's idea. He didn't want Beatrice to come alone." George took her hand and glared at me. "How pampered can you be? You need a chaperone just to leave the house?" he spat. "Can't you see Bella's not feeling well?" Having said that, he led Isabella away. As they walked off, George glanced over his shoulder and warned, "Beatrice Layton, if you keep acting like this, there's no way in hell I'm marrying you." His words made me chuckle. The truth was, I was the one who didn't want to marry him.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

It was the day of my birthday party. George didn't show up until the elders had gradually taken their leave, arriving with Isabella in tow. Her cheeks were flushed, and his neck bore bold red marks. Anyone who saw it could guess what they had just been doing. If this had been the old me, I would've broken down right there—sobbing and demanding answers. How could they do such a thing? One was the man I loved, and the other was my sister, after all. Did my feelings mean nothing to them? But now, I only spared them a glance before turning back to chat with the people around me. George noticed my gaze lingering on the marks for just a moment. Instantly, he stepped in front of Isabella, shielding her. Seconds ticked by, and still, I didn't make a scene. My silence seemed to irritate him. He forced a smile and asked, "Beatrice, you're not pretending to be all gracious just because you're afraid I won't marry you, are you? "Well, that might be for the best. I'm going to be the

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Everyone in the room fell silent. All eyes were on me as they waited for my response. Right then, someone wheeled Nathaniel Chapman into the room. He looked genuinely ill, so weak that he couldn't leave his wheelchair. A knowing smile spread across everyone's faces at that sight. I was about to declare that I would marry Nathaniel when Mr. Chapman Senior's words came to mind. "Since you've chosen Nathaniel, I respect your decision," he had said. "But for now, don't say anything. Everyone will know once things settle." After a moment's hesitation, I stopped myself from speaking. Nathaniel didn't say anything either. He calmly glanced at me, but I caught a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. I understood Mr. Chapman Senior's concerns. The Chapman family was enormous, and every one of them had their eyes set on his fortune. So, I chose not to argue with George. Instead, I let them laugh as much as they wanted, then walked away. … Isabella and I were in the same car on

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Behind George, the other Chapman young men stifled their laughter with their hands over their mouths. "Ms. Layton, this won't do. If you can't even tolerate your sister, what will happen when George starts getting close to other women? Are you going to drop dead from jealousy?" someone mockingly said. Another person burst out laughing and added, "Don't you know Ms. Layton here can take out every woman who gets too cozy with George?" Back then, I had taken up kickboxing because of George. I even ran my mouth, saying I'd beat up anyone who tried to steal him from me. Now, just thinking about it made me cringe. Laughter rippled through the room as George stepped toward me. His voice dripped with disdain as he said, "Grandpa's announcing our engagement today. If you really want to marry me, don't forget what I told you. "We'll live separate lives once we're married, and you'll stay out of my business. That way, I'll forgive you for being wicked and insufferable." I stared at h